Chapter 124: Food Comes First

"Come on, Chen Ci, I'm just a C-list actress, how could I be called a beauty?"

Jiang Yao gracefully tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, offering a serene smile as she continued, "Stop teasing me, you're making me blush."

"Fine, fine, fine."

Chen Ci quickly begged for mercy, then gestured to the others, "Everyone sit, sit. We're all friends here, no need to stand on ceremony."

Ruan Mianmian, standing outside the door, was momentarily stunned by the lively atmosphere inside. She pushed the door open slowly, poking her head in. Her wide, liquid eyes darted around the room before finally settling on Jiang Ce's face.

"Come on in!"

Xiang Kui was the first to notice her and quickly rose to greet her. Ever since Ruan Mianmian had saved Xiang Nuan at the bar, Xiang Kui had held her in incredibly high regard. Plus, being a sucker for good looks, Xiang Kui had absolutely no resistance to a sweet-faced girl like Ruan Mianmian.

"You're all here!" Ruan Mianmian scratched her head sheepishly and laughed, "I just went to the restroom and thought I might be the last one."

"Doesn't matter at all." Chen Ci refilled the teacup in front of Ruan Mianmian and added, "You can just punish yourself with three glasses later."

"What are you saying? Don't go corrupting a young girl." Xiang Kui didn't hesitate to give Chen Ci a sharp kick on the shin.

Ruan Mianmian covered her mouth, giggling as she prepared to sit in the empty seat next to Jiang Ce.

"Oh? Whose bag is this?" A fashionable, luxury handbag was perched on the back of the chair. Ruan Mianmian looked around and realized there was someone else in the room—someone who looked quite familiar.

"Aren't you... aren't you Jiang Yao?" Ruan Mianmian's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected to see someone she had only ever watched on television standing right in front of her.

Jiang Yao was a rising star in the entertainment industry, having gained a bit of fame from a sweet, youthful idol drama. Her appearance was the fresh, quiet type, yet her figure was shapely and womanly. This duality had won over the hearts of many male netizens, making her one of the most talked-about newcomers.

"Look at that! Finally, someone with an eye for talent!" Chen Ci laughed. "See, Mianmian has taste. These two didn't react at all; our beauty Jiang must be so disappointed."

"See! I knew you'd be teasing me again!" Jiang Yao glared at Chen Ci, her expression coquettish yet natural, a sight that was quite pleasing to the eye.

Ruan Mianmian covered her lips and smiled. Watching the easy rapport between them, she figured Jiang Yao must be a close friend of his.

"Don't listen to them. Honestly, I'm just a C-list actress with no real fame." Jiang Yao reached out a hand toward Ruan Mianmian and smiled, "Let's reintroduce ourselves. I'm Jiang Yao, nice to meet you."

"Ruan Mianmian." She reached out and shook her hand.

Seeing Jiang Yao’s self-deprecating nature, which felt so effortless and disarming, Ruan Mianmian found her very easy to get along with. She felt almost instinctively that the Jiang Yao before her was just as she had appeared on screen—as if she had simply been playing herself.

"Ruan Mianmian? Isn't that name just adorable? I'm sitting next to you!" With that, Jiang Yao nonchalantly moved her handbag and sat down right next to Ruan Mianmian.

Xiang Kui rolled her eyes, "Great, just great. As soon as Mianmian arrives, I know I’m going to lose my status as the favorite."

Ruan Mianmian laughed until she was shaking; being around these people was both relaxing and fun. Jiang Ce, however, remained silent. He turned his head slightly to look at Ruan Mianmian, his eyes softened with a hint of a smile. It was subtle, but those around him could tell he was perfectly at ease.

"It’s a rare occasion for us to gather like this, so I brought a bottle of something special." Chen Ci had the waiter bring over the wine that had been decanting, and he poured a glass for everyone.

Ruan Mianmian held her glass and sniffed it; a light, crisp scent of grapes instantly filled her nostrils. She didn't know much about wine, so she couldn't appreciate the nuances.

Jiang Ce leaned in close and whispered, "I'll allow you to drink tonight, but keep it in moderation."

"Does 'moderation' mean one or two glasses, or seven or eight?"

"You can try it and see."

Jiang Ce’s gaze flickered, and Ruan Mianmian instantly caught the hint of a threat. He definitely wasn't encouraging her to test her limits; he was warning her to consider the consequences.

Ruan Mianmian pursed her lips and smiled, "Hehe, actually, I don't even like drinking!"

Jiang Ce’s lips curved upward.

"Hey, hey, hey! Is it really appropriate for you two to be whispering in front of all of us? If you have something to say, share it so we can all hear!" Chen Ci couldn't help but stir the pot.

Ruan Mianmian raised her eyebrows and smiled, "We were sharing a secret."

"Oh? What secret?"

Ruan Mianmian looked proud and aloof, "I can't tell you!"

"Hey! You!"

Chen Ci suddenly ducked toward Xiang Kui, resting his tall frame on her shoulder and whining, "Honey, she's bullying me!" He looked exactly like a schoolboy tattling at home.

Xiang Kui rolled her eyes, "Who's your honey?"

Chen Ci: "..."

Taking advantage of the distraction, the waiter began serving the dishes. A savory aroma filled the room, making everyone’s appetite soar. Chen Ci stared at the food in front of him, grumbling, "Today, I’m going to eat three bowls of rice to vent the frustration I’ve suffered!"

The scene was lively, and Ruan Mianmian, watching the show, began to eat her rice slowly.

"Eat some vegetables." Jiang Ce placed a piece of greens onto her plate. Though he didn't speak much, his gaze remained fixed on her, observing her every move.

Ruan Mianmian obediently ate the greens he had given her and then reached out to serve herself another helping. The sight of it made Chen Ci feel nothing but envy, jealousy, and resentment!

"I’ve realized that inviting these two to dinner was a mistake," Chen Ci said, looking at Zhong Yu across the table with a look of feigned indignation.

Zhong Yu curled his lips slightly and chuckled, "What do you mean by that?"

Chen Ci set down his chopsticks, pointed at Ruan Mianmian and Jiang Ce, and sighed mournfully, "Just watching them is enough to fill me up on 'dog food'—how am I supposed to eat any real food?"

Zhong Yu smirked, "Don't you have Xiang Kui?"

Xiang Kui?

Chen Ci quietly shifted his gaze to his side, where Xiang Kui had already held up a hand as a barrier between them.

Chen Ci let out a long, hollow sigh, lowered his head, and muttered pitifully, "Forget it, my life is more important."

"What did you say?" Xiang Kui shot him a look.

Chen Ci immediately piped up, "Never mind, eating is more important!"